Fly from New Zealand to Peru: Christchurch – Auckland – Santiago - Lima

On arrival into Lima Airport, we’ll head to our airport hotel, located within the airport complex, for our overnight stay. You are free to relax in your hotel room or use the hotel facilities until

dinner is served at the hotel’s restaurant.

Overnight at the airport hotel

This morning, we return to the departures hall to check in for our flight to Puerto Maldonado. Fly Lima – Puerto Maldonado

On arrival at Puerto Maldonado Airport, early afternoon, we will be met by a representative for a welcome meeting and preparation talk, before taking the journey into the Amazon. Your rainforest eco-lodge is perfect for your first taste of the Amazon’s natural wonders. This spacious lodge offers

an excellent combination of convenience and comfort with outstanding opportunities to see Amazonian wildlife.

You will be up at dawn for a visit to the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake; 15 minutes from our lodge by boat and a 30

minute walk take us to the lake shore. From here you take a long, easy canoe ride around the lake. We return to the

lodge's trails in time to visit a small parakeet clay lick. We then return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on

our afternoon outing. In the afternoon we will visit the community's ethno botanical centre. We return to our lodge

for dinner and an optional night walk to look for amphibians and insects.

Enjoy all activities put on by the lodge over the next two days, including wildlife spotting opportunities, visit to a local farm or ascending the Canopy Tower for spectacular views of the forest and beyond. Meals are included at the lodge, drinks are additional.

Today we return to Puerto Maldonado for our onward flight to Cuzco. Fly Puerto Maldonado - Cuzco

On arrival at Cuzco Airport we are met by a representative and transferred to our central Cuzco hotel, a charming hotel of colonial architecture and modern amenities. After you have settled in to your room, you’ll be given a time to meet for dinner. Dinner will be at a local restaurant including a set menu dinner and a non-alcoholic drink per person.

Sacred Valley Today we visit Pisac, a picturesque town located 32 kilometres northeast of Cuzco. It is famous for its colonial Church, where masses in Quechua are held every Sunday. Its colourful fairs also take place every day. The surface of the market's main area is made of flat stone and is where the local Indians meet to barter and sell their merchandise as they have done for centuries. Be prepared to bargain when making purchases!

Afterwards, we will visit the town of Ollantaytambo. This town is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the Americas and was once was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. Discover the large archaeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions. Time permitting we will get a chance to mingle with the locals at a typical Peruvian Andes establishment, either at a "chichería" (establishment for the brewing and sale of chicha, the famous traditional Andean drink made of germinated corn) or a bakery with still-functioning traditional ovens. The Church is an important tourist attraction that has to be visited. Lunch is included while on the tour, set menu basis, drinks additional. On completion of our tour, we will be dropped off at our hotel in the Sacred Valley, a renovated former colonial-style 300-year-old Franciscan monastery.

The rest of the day is free to relax in the Sacred Valley. Dinner will be at the hotel restaurant, including a set menu

dinner and one non-alcoholic drink per person.

Machu Picchu Tour Vistadome Train Today, we transfer to the train station to board the Vistadome train and travel through spectacular scenery to the fabulous mountain-top ruins of Machu Picchu. Buried in the jungle, undiscovered by the Spaniards, it lay for centuries until Hiram Bingham found it in 1911. The world was amazed by his discovery and it is now voted as one of the ‘new’ wonders of the world. The Holy City of Machu Picchu was built in stone among the flanks of two hills belonging to the eastern mountain range of the Andes, descending into the Amazonian upper sylvan. There is no doubt that Machu Picchu represents an extraordinary example of architecture and engineering. Upon arrival to the station, the buses wait to transfer us to the top of the ruins (30 minutes). A guided tour of the ruins will give us some idea of what the city must have looked like. Lunch is included.

After our Machu Picchu tour, we return to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay in the heart of Machu Picchu town.

The rest of the day is free to relax in Aguas Calientes. Dinner will be at the hotel’s restaurant, famed for its organic

gastronomy and stylish contemporary ambience. Drinks are additional.

After a leisurely morning and breakfast, we will take the 10.55 a.m. train

back to Ollantaytambo, arriving approximately 12.32 p.m. Here we will be

met for a return transfer to Cuzco and check in at our central Cuzco hotel.

The rest of the day is free to relax and explore Cuzco.

Dinner will be at a local restaurant, including a set menu dinner and one non-

alcoholic drink per person.

Cuzco City and nearby Ruins This half day tour takes us to various historical points of interest in Cuzco including Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and passing through Kenko and Puca Pucara. The views from these points, looking down over the Andean valley, and overlooking the city, are spectacular. Our helpful guide will explain the history and culture of these fascincating places along the way. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore Cuzco.

Tonight, dinner will be in a local restaurant and includes a set menu dinner and one non-alcoholic drink per person.

At the appropriate time, we will be transferred to Cuzco Train Station for our train ride to Puno.

Titicaca Train - Cuzco to Puno

Crossing the Andes on the Cusco – Puno route and visiting Lake Titicaca is an unforgettable experience all on its own. But doing it aboard the PeruRail Titicaca train will make this a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The PeruRail Titicaca train was created to provide passengers with all the luxuries they could want in a trip, while offering them a chance to forge a mystical connection with nature. The PeruRail Titicaca train features an open-air observatory car, allowing you to take in the majestic views while enjoying the typical music and dances of the Peruvian highlands. During your trip, you will have the chance to take panoramic pictures of some of the quintessential Andean landscapes. Initially, the train heads south-east, following the Huantanay River through green fields dotted with willow trees and eucalyptus groves, passing outlying communities gathered around colonial churches that conceal their artistic treasures behind crumbling adobe facades. It continues to meander through small settlements until reaching the dizzying heights of La Raya, situated at 4,321 m - the highest point of the journey. A short stop is made at this remote place where the surrounding scenery of dramatic snow-draped peaks are often shrouded in mist and encased in glaciers. A fine gourmet lunch is served on board in the 1920s-styled Pullman dining car during your ten and a half hour journey, which concludes at Puno station at approximately 6.00 p.m.

On arrival into Puno we are met and transferred to our accommodation in downtown Puno. Due to our late arrival

into Puno, dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant on a set menu basis.

Puno lies on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, perched at a breath-taking 3, 800 m above sea level. Claimed to be the birthplace of the founders of the Inca empire, its many ethnic groups, like the Uros, still depend on the resources of the lake for their living. The Uros dwell on floating reed islands rising six metres above the lake level. They are anchored by logs and connected to each other by ropes. Their main activities are fishing and handcrafting. Uros & Taquile Reed Island After our visit to the Uros islands, we continue to Taquile Island which has two essential characteristics; its geography, offering a spectacular view from its hills, and its standing as a first-rate textile centre. Taquileños live on their textile activities. This can easily be seen in the men walking about in rubber sandals ("ojotas" in quechua), wearing black pants, white flannel shirts and beautiful, finely woven chumpis (belts), covering their heads with finely knitted warm "chullos" (caps with ear flaps). Women work in petticoats and bowler hats, and llamas are as tame as pets. A traditional Peruvian lunch is included either on the boat, or on land during one of the tour’s stops.

Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant and includes a set menu dinner and one non-alcoholic drink per person.

Lake Titicaca - Puno - La Paz

We start with an early land transfer from Puno to Copacabana Sanctuary, board a catamaran and enjoy a snack on

board while sailing to Sun Island, the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire. Visit the Inca Garden, steps and fountain

then the Inti Wata Cultural Complex including the Ekako Underground Museum, the traditional medicine and the

Titicaca Reed Shipbuilders display centres, the Pachamama agricultural Inca terraces, a handicraft centre, the Intica

lounge and at the Manco Kapac look out the largest variety of Andean camelids. Also, the Inti Wata Complex at Sun

Island includes a unique sailing experience aboard a huge Titicaca traditional vessel for a panoramic visit to the

Pilkokaina Inca Palace. Board the catamaran to sail to Chua harbour while enjoying a buffet lunch on board.

On arrival at the harbour, transfer to our central La Paz hotel, where dinner will be served on a set menu basis. La Paz City and the Moon Valley After breakfast, we tour the highlights of La Paz, known as "the city of contrast" due to its blend of cultures and races. Witness the enchanting atmosphere of the Witches Market; admire significant landmarks in the colonial part of the city including San Francisco Church and Plaza Murillo and peruse intriguing exhibitions in some of the capital’s museums. We'll then stop for lunch at a traditional Bolivian restaurant in La Paz, before we venture out of the city perimeters to see one of the country’s most impressive natural geological formations - the lunar-like landscape of Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) and capture photographs of the crater-pocked surface, comprised of eroded miniature canyons and pinnacles, similar to that of the moon. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner will be at a local restaurant including a set menu dinner and one non-alcoholic drink per person.

This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro.

Fly La Paz - Lima - Santiago - Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's former captial from 1763 to 1961, Rio de Janeiro is nestled between the mountains and the sea, with its iconic

landmark - "Christ the Redeemer" - watching over it from the summit of Corcovado. The city's magnificent shoreline

includes charming bays and beautiful beaches, dotted with islands up and down the coast.

On arrival at Rio de Janeiro Airport we will be met and transferred to our hotel, situated in a prime location on Leme beach and one block from the beautiful beach of Copacabana. After you’ve settled in, enjoy some free time. Tonight we will enjoy a set menu dinner at the hotel, drinks are

additional.

Sugar Loaf Mountain The Sugar Loaf, known world over as Rio’s postcard and a must to visit. Over a million tourists a year visit this iconic landmark. Rising up from the small peninsula at the entrance to Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf is reached on a two-stage glass cable car ride. This cable car, in operation is of Italian manufacture and takes 80 persons per trip on a 2-minute ride, each stage. The first cable car takes you to the top of Urca Hill, or Morro da Urca - barely 170 m high, has a restaurant, amphitheatre, a helipoint for scenic rides and a privileged view of the Yacht Club and Botafogo Bay. From Urca Hill, the second stage up to the Sugar Loaf, which rises 395 m above sea level, offers a 360 degree view of the entire city. The all-encompassing view of this privileged 270 m high lookout is unrivalled. This is the only site where Copacabana beach is in full view.

The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Rio.

Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant and comprises of a set menu, drinks are additional.

Corcovado Tour Corcovado Mountain is one of Rio’s top attractions. We travel along the beaches of Rio, taking the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (lagoon) to reach the Rebouças tunnel, a 2.6 km complex that links the southern and northern parts of the city cut in half by the Tijuca ridge that makes Rio the only city in the world to have a National Park 5 minutes from downtown! Reaching the Cosme Velho district, we take a Swiss-manufactured cogwheel train to climb the mountain from its base at 15 m to very near its summit at 670 m. The very top is reached by elevator or escalators reaching the base of Christ the Redeemer statue. This statue, covered with a mosaic of soapstone, is one of Rio’s finest Art Nouveau monuments. The view, from this vantage point, with the surrounding Tijuca National Forest spreading below and a circle of mountains closing the horizon at the very back of the Guanabara Bay, is just outstanding!

Afterwards, we’ll take the train back down and return to our hotel, to enjoy an afternoon of leisure.

Tonight the pulse of Brazilian culture comes alive! Dinner will be at Churrascaria Palace, one of the country’s

fantastic must-do cultural BBQ experiences, drinks are additional. After dinner, its time for the carnival rhythms of

the Ginga Tropical Samba Show! Singers and dancers, preserving rich Brazilian culture, will dazzle you with their

energetic performances – you might even be tempted to join in!

Fly Rio de Janeiro – Iguazu Falls

On arrival at the Airport we are met by a representative who will be waiting to transfer us to the Brazilian side of the

Falls for a walking tour.

Brazilian side of the Falls A natural wonder, the Foz do Iguaçu produce specatacular clouds of spray as the Iguassu River tumbles 60m before

joining the Rio Parana. The stunning spectacle of colour as immense rainbows appear, combined with the sheer roar

of volumes of water, is breathtaking. This tour takes us across the Tancredo Neves bridge, spanning 480 m, to Brazil’s

Iguaçu National Park. Extending 2.7km across, there are 19 major waterfalls, (with a number of smaller falls varying

between 150 to 175, depending on the river’s flow), but only three are on the Brazilian side. Most are on the

Argentine side and face Brazil, thus their beauty can be admired from the Brazilian side.

At the Visitor Centre, we board a bus to the start of the walkways. Enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Falls,

consisting of 270 cascades over almost 3km. After our tour, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch, including one non-alcoholic

drink per person, at a local restaurant on the Brazilian side of the Falls, before transferring to our accommodation on

the Argentine side, in the heart of the Iryapú Jungle. Don’t forget your passport!

Dinner will be at the hotel restaurant, tonight and includes a set menu, drinks are additional.

Argentine side of the Falls Of the 19 big waterfalls, the biggest is the “Devil’s Throat”, measuring over 90 m in height, it defines the border

between Brazil and Argentina. Crossing the Tancredo Neves bridge with a span of 480 metres, we head into the

Argentinean National Park. We’ll board a small train to Devil’s Throat Station, located 4km away. From here, we’ll take

a walkway over the upper part of the Iguazu River to the Devil’s Throat lookout for a truly spectacular view. Taking the

train back to the Visitor Centre, we continue on to the Upper Path. At 500 m long this walk lasts for about 45 minutes,

viewing the Two Sisters, Bosseti, Adam & Eve, Bernabe Mendez, Mbigua and San Martin Falls from above. We’ll be

accompanied by our professional guide, who will provide explanations of the history, wildlife and geology of the area,

and will lead us along the Lower Path which is 1,300 m long and lasts for about 1.5 hours. This gives you a different

perspective of the falls from the middle. Afterwards, there are a range of optional trips that you may choose to

experience at your own expense.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Tonight, we will be transferred into Iguazu Town to an Argentine Cuisine Experience event. This is an interactive dinner where the hosts will teach you local lingo; you’ll make empanadas and dulce de leche and enjoy a scrumptious Argentinean meal. Drinks are included. Enjoy a morning at leisure. We transfer to the airport mid afternoon for our flight to Buenos Aires.

Fly Iguazu Falls – Buenos Aires

We’ll be met on arrival in Buenos Aires and be transferred to our classic hotel, located in the elegant Recoleta district

of Buenos Aires.

Dinner will be at the hotel restaurant and includes a set menu, drinks are additional.

The capital of the Republic of Argentina and the country’s largest city, Buenos Aires stretches south-to-north along Rio de la Plata and has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. Considered the “Pearl of South America”, it is a modern, cosmopolitan city which features its strong European heritage in its architecture and lifestyle.

Buenos Aires We’ll discovery the main points of interest, such as the 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest street on Earth, driving down this

avenue past the famous opera house, the Colon Theatre and the Obelisk, a symbol of Buenos Aires; the Plaza de Mayo

(May Square), in the historic heart of Buenos Aires and surrounded by some of the oldest and most important

buildings: The Casa Rosada (Pink House), where the government's executive branch is housed, the historical Cabildo

and the Metropolitan Cathedral, where inside lies the remains of the General José de San Martín.

We'll also visit La Boca, a typically Italian neighbourhood, with its colourful houses and the famous Caminito walkway,

a museum of Arts in the open air. Afterwards, our tour

continues to the modern Puerto Madero neighbourhood,

with its former port warehouses, now turned into offices,

apartments and top restaurants, past San Martin Square

towards Palermo Chico residential district and Palermo

Park with its Jacaranda and Palo Borracho trees which

flower in the spring and late summer. The ride continues

to elegant Recoleta district to see inside Recoleta

Cemetery where the famous are laid to rest, including

Eva Peron.

After the tour we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, including a 3-course meal and a non-alcoholic drink per person. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the vibrancy of Buenos Aires. La Ventana Dinner & Tango Show Tonight, we have arranged for you to attend what many consider the very best in the business - La Ventana Dinner & Tango Show. Step back in time as we head to the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, the birthplace of tango and the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires, to arrive at a ‘conventillo’, a restored historic tenement where La Ventana takes place. The theatre’s preserved architectural interior is the ideal setting for this unique and dazzling experience. Prior to the show enjoy a delicious three-course meal featuring a wide array of Argentine and international dishes, accompanied by Argentine wines. Then, relax as more than 25 dancers, singers and musicians entertain you with their folkloric ensemble. Listen to both Spanish and indigenous styles of music from the bands as well as vocalists. Get a glimpse of the gaucho culture, or Argentina’s version of cowboys, through a demonstration of boleadoras, used to wrangle livestock. After the show closes with a moving tribute to Eva Peron, your driver takes us back to our hotel. This morning, we will go to the famous San Telmo Market. Each Sunday, the plaza is transformed into an enormous antique market with hundreds of stalls selling everything from secondhand goods to pricey antiques. As well as open-air stalls, there is a covered market and many independent shops. San Telmo is a great place to browse and people-watch from one of the many sidewalk cafes in the area. As this is also located in the heart of Buenos Aires’ tango district, many tango dancers and other street performers can be seen ‘in action’ on Sundays: observe – it’s another great way to get a real ‘feel’ for this vibrant city.

After our market visit, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in San Telmo. Set menu is available, drinks additional. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Buenos Aires. Dinner will be at another local restaurant - set menu, drinks additional.

Today is free for you to enjoy Buenos Aires, return to the areas you visited yesterday for a proper look, go shopping, or wander through the many parks and museums that are nearby. A late lunch will be held at a restaurant nearby the hotel, you’ll be given a time to meet at the hotel to walk together. Your rooms are available to you until you depart to the airport tonight. We farewell the Splendour of South America as we depart for the aiport early evening, for our flight home.

Fly from Argentina to New Zealand: Buenos Aires – Santiago

In transit

Fly Santiago – Auckland

In transit

Auckland – Christchurch

Welcome home!